Dr. Merlin Joseph McGivney was born in Galveston in 1905 and lived on the island until his death in 1985. He was a practicing dentist and a member of many civic and cultural organizations, including one of Texas' oldest art leagues, the Galveston Art League.
Dr. McGivney, an award-winning painter himself, perpetuated his love for the arts by establishing an endowment fund administered by the Rosenberg Library. Each year, the library awards a purchase prize (the McGivney Award) to the winner of the Galveston Art League's annual Spring Juries Show. The winner is presented with a check, and his or her painting is added to the library's permanent museum collection.
Here we offer a look at past McGivney Award displays.
 "Shrimpers" Artist: Carol Hopkins Oil on Canvas 2005 McGivney Award Winner |
 "A Portrait of Joel" Artist: Barbara Kirkpatrick Oil on Canvas 1998 McGivney Award Winner |
 "A Smile from India" Artist: Pat Rusk Watercolor 2000 McGivney Award Winner |
 "Far East of the Brazos" Artist: Jerry L. Bachman Acrylic on Canvas 2004 McGivney Award Winner |
 "Strawberries" Artist: Dorris Dahine Watercolor 2001 McGivney Award Winner |
 "Fragments in Time IV" Artist: Vanita Smithy Watercolor and Gouache on Paper 1992 McGivney Award Winner |
 "Don't Fence Me In" Artist: Dr. Charles Caillouet Jr. Acrylic on Canvas 2002 McGivney Award Winner |
 "In the Grass" Artist: Lori Del Buono Watercolor 2003 McGivney Award Winner |